What Should You Not Miss When Visiting Zanzibar?

Zanzibar is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Tanzania. It has long been a popular destination for tourists due to its blend of cultures and stunning beaches. With its incredible natural beauty, friendly locals and plethora of activities to try, it’s no wonder so many people choose to visit Zanzibar. But what should you not miss when visiting Zanzibar? We’ve compiled a list of the top things to do and places to visit when in Zanzibar.

Learning about Zanzibar’s History in Stone Town

Stone Town is the old capital of Zanzibar. It is a historical site that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique blend of African and Middle Eastern cultures. This is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the history of Zanzibar and learn about its past. Take a stroll down the bustling streets and you will find old mosques, slave market ruins and intricately carved doorways. Stone Town also boasts some fantastic seafood restaurants with the freshest fish around.

Exploring the Spice Gardens

Zanzibar is known as the Spice Islands and it’s easy to see why when you explore some of the spice gardens dotted around the island. Here you can pick up fresh spices like cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric and pepper. There are also some fruit trees that you can pick fresh oranges, mangoes or coconuts from. The spice gardens are a great way to understand the importance of spices to Zanzibari culture and its economy.

Staying on a Private Island

If you are looking for an unforgettable experience, why not stay on a private island? The tropical paradise of Mnemba Island off the coast of Zanzibar is home to some of the world’s most luxurious beach resorts. Here you can relax on your own private beach, swim in crystal clear waters and get up close to sea turtles, dolphins and whale sharks. It is a once in a lifetime experience that should not be missed.

Swimming with Whales and Sharks

Head to Kizimkazi on the southern coast of Zanzibar and you can take a boat out to see Whale Sharks and Manta Rays. The Whale Shark is the biggest fish in the sea and they rarely come close to shore, making this a really special experience. You can also snorkel in some coral reefs with colourful fish or even swim with Bottle Nose Dolphins. This is an experience that should not be missed.

Taking a Cultural Tour

There are also plenty of cultural activities available on Zanzibar. Head to Makunduchi to take part in the local fishing industry and learn about traditional boat building and net making techniques. Or visit Pangani for a day and take a boat tour around mangrove forests or take part in local drumming workshops and learn Zanzibari dance moves.

Zip Lining Through Jozani Forest

Jozani National Park is located on the east coast of Zanzibar and it’s one of the most biologically diverse areas in Tanzania. Here you can take a guided tour of the forest looking out for Colobus monkeys and bushbucks or take a thrilling zip line tour through the tree canopy. It’s an incredible experience that should not be missed.

Exploring Dhow Boat Tours

Dhow boats are traditional Arabic vessels and they are still used by fishermen around Zanzibar today. A dhow boat tour is a great way to explore the coastline and learn about the ancient mariners of Zanzibar who navigated these boats up and down the Indian Ocean centuries ago.

Experiencing Local Food

Zanzibar is known for its mouth-watering food which is a unique blend of African, Arab and Indian flavours. Venture onto the streets and try out some street food like Kebab Choma or some seasonal fresh fruit. Or if you’re looking for something a bit more luxurious, why not sit down at a five star beach resort overlooking beautiful blue waters and finish with some famously delicious chocolate-filled pancakes? However you decide to sample local cuisine, it’s not something to miss out on when visiting Zanzibar.

Zanzibar has so much to offer that any potential visitor could easily be overwhelmed by choice. But whatever activities you decide to try while visiting there, these are all experiences that shouldn’t be missed. So make sure to make time for them during your holiday! For more detailed information about visiting Zanzibar, Zanzibar Secret has an excellent guide that can help plan an unforgettable trip for you.